Officials in Sacramento County are investigating a shooting that broke out on the evening of April 18 at Howe Community Park at the time authorities were breaking up an unsanctioned gathering of an estimated several hundred individuals.
What Led to the Shooting
Officers from the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office were first dispatched to the park at approximately 6:30 in the evening after getting calls of individuals who may have had concealed firearms. After that, additional information came in about a reported physical confrontation taking place at Howe Park.
An overhead unit conducted an aerial sweep but was unable to locate the reported altercation. Nevertheless, it became clear that a massive group had gathered without authorization in an unauthorized manner.
The Moment Gunfire Erupted
Responding units set about removing people from the park by surrounding the park and announcing over their public address systems commanding attendees to vacate the area. Nearly 15 minutes were allotted for people to comply.
While deputies worked to disperse the gathering that 20 to 25 gunshots cut through the air. The sudden gunfire sparked chaos as hundreds ran. Responding personnel swiftly started identifying shooting victims.
Four Gunshot Victims
By the time the scene was secured, four shooting victims were found to have been shot. The victims — a group of one female and three male victims all believed to be in their 20s — were rushed to Sacramento area hospitals. Hospital staff reported that two victims were in serious condition, one had moderate injuries, and one victim's wounds were more info minor. According to authorities, no fatalities were reported and all four were stable.
Sacramento Metro Fire also responded and provided medical assistance those with gunshot wounds prior to hospital transport.
The Investigation
The bulk of the shooting appears to have occurred along the Cottage Way side of the park next to the Home Depot at the 2200 block of Howe Ave. Detectives found more spent casings on Cottage Way. Round impacts were discovered in the wrought iron fence adjacent to the nearby Home Depot. This ballistic evidence indicated that at least one of the shooters had been aiming south from Cottage Way aimed at the Home Depot. The store itself was locked down as a precaution. Crime scene technicians and detectives continued working through the early morning hours.
Suspect Information
Intelligence received via scanner audio showed that a vehicle identified as a Kia had been detained in nearby Solano County. Four individuals were in the vehicle at the time of the stop. Deputies were sent to retrieve the detainees to transport the detainees for investigation. Video reviewed at the scene established that two individuals had fired weapons.